8.2.2 High-Impedance Sensor Interface

Many sensors have high source impedances that may range up to 10 MΩ, or even higher. The output signal of sensors often must be amplified or otherwise conditioned by means of an amplifier. The input bias current of this amplifier can load the sensor output and cause a voltage drop across the source resistance, as shown in Figure 40, where (V_(+INx) = V_S – I_(BIAS) × R_(S)). The last term, I_(BIAS) × R_(S), shows the voltage drop across R_(S). To prevent errors introduced to the system as a result of this voltage, an op amp with very low input bias current must be used with high impedance sensors. This low current keeps the error contribution by I_(BIAS) × R_(S) less than the input voltage noise of the amplifier, so that it does not become the dominant noise factor. The OPAx320-Q1 series of op amps feature very low input bias current (typically 200 fA), and are therefore excellent choices for such applications.

Figure 40. Noise as a Result of I_(BIAS)